Family Client Guide
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
Regardless of how old your kids are, my number one recommendation is to prioritise rest on the day of your photoshoot - think lazy day at home on the couch.
It’s also a good idea to make sure everyone is well fed and hydrated (especially if it's been a hot day).
Family sessions are held outdoors during golden hour (the hour or so before sunset). During this time the light is softer, more flattering and has a golden glow - hence the name ‘golden hour’.
Trust me, one late bedtime will definitely be worth it!
When it comes to getting ready for your session, it will always take longer than you think, especially with young kids are involved. Trust me.
To avoid last minute delays, it’s best to have outfits organised, washed and ready to go a few days prior to your shoot, and allow an extra 15-20 minutes getting ready time.
Also please give yourself plenty of travel time and be mindful of the time of day and location of your shoot - there's nothing worse than getting stuck in traffic. Try to arrive 5 minutes prior to your session start time.
If you’re bringing your doggo to your family shoot, I recommend arriving 10 minutes prior to give them the opportunity to have a play and release some energy before the session.
Please keep in mind that not all outdoor locations will have access to public bathroom facilities.
While I always have a first-aid kit, bug spray, dog treats, baby wipes and picnic blanket on hand, below is a list of helpful things you can bring along to your outdoor session:
Any props you'd like to include in the shoot
Towels / an extra set of clothes for little kids if we're going to the beach
A toy to help keep the kids engaged
Jumpers for everyone in case it gets cold (because it’s Tassie)
During our time together, your main priority is to have fun and relax as much as possible (easier said than done sometimes I know)… I want to reassure you that your children can’t do anything wrong during the shoot. I’ll say it again, your kids can’t do anything wrong!
There’s no need to worry about ‘creating the perfect shot’ or apologise if your kids or pet won’t sit still, let’s go with it and enjoy ourselves. I will guide you into different positions and provide prompts like asking you to cuddle one another, but mostly I want you and your family to play and explore together. If you feel like you need a little more guidance, that’s ok too - just ask!
As a side note, I try to encourage parents not to tell their children to ‘smile’ too much, as this can sometimes have the opposite effect. Instead, talk to them about things they like - tell jokes or tickle them to make them laugh and smile.
Parents will often use a special treat or toy as an incentive to encourage cooperation during their session, this can often work really well to get things back on track. However, depending on your children and their age, I recommend keeping this option up your shelve for halfway through or even towards the send of the session if you think they’re going to be fixated on it during the entire session if told too early.
I also have plenty of lolly pops and stickers on hand too - but don’t worry, I will always ask you first before giving anything to your child!
STYLE GUIDE
I have a confession to make... I used to underestimate the importance of choosing the right outfit for photoshoots.
Now don't get me wrong, I will capture beautiful photos of you and your family regardless of what you're wearing, But I've come to realise that the right outfit choice can really enhance the overall look and feel of your family photos.
I want you to look back on your images in years to come and notice the smiles on everyone's faces, not be distracted by what you wore that day. I want them to be as timeless as possible. But knowing what to wear isn't always easy, so I've created style guide to give you a little inspiration and help you select the right outfits for you and your family.
If you need a new outfit, but don’t necessarily want to buy something that you may not wear again? Mama Rentals is an amazing Australian outfit hire option for photoshoots. I’m very proud to offer my clients a 15% discount with Mama Rentals, simply use the code “meeganwilmotphotography” at checkout. Or check out my Client Closet for a selection of size inclusive and bump friendly dresses.
I'm also always here to help, so if you're a little unsure, please reach out via email or text message.
CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE
Select classic styles and colours that complement each other but aren’t too matchy-matchy. Please don’t be afraid of colour, I’m not one of those photographers who encourages their clients to wear all white or beige.
So often as women we put the needs of others before our own (especially as mothers), but I want to encourage you to put yourself first this time! Start with an outfit that makes YOU feel amazing and then base the rest of the family's choices around it.
Maybe you've picked a gorgeous floral dress that can guide your choice of primary and secondary colours.
Start with a base colour and layer different shades of it, trying to keep within the same tonal range (eg. don’t mix pastel colours with warm tones). Complement it with warm neutrals like cream, white, tan, or denim, then add a pop of a contrasting color for depth.
Finally, create balance—avoid pairing all light tops with all dark bottoms. If dad is wearing a light top and dark pants, switch it up for your little ones to keep the look harmonious.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ADD SOME TEXTURE
Adding layers, soft patterns, textures and accessories to your outfits will help create depth and interest in your images (and keep your little ones warm).
For example, Natasha did an amazing job below by incorporating different textures, including linen and knits, in a cohesive and complementary colour palette!
If you are going to incorporate some patterns, I recommend sticking to one or two outfit so as not to clash.
CONSIDER YOUR HOME
It's also important to remember that these photos will be displayed in your home for many years to come, so keep that in mind when selecting outfit choices and colours.
AVOID LOGOS, STRIPES, & BRIGHT COLOURS
Now I'm a fan of a good Country Road t-shirt as much as the next person, but I encourage you to avoid t-shirts or jumpers with logos, text or characters on them... Fellas, I'm looking at you!
Logos, text and characters on the front or back of t-shirts and jumpers can draw the eye and be very distracting in photos. It's best to avoid them all together and opt for plain choices instead.
I would also recommend avoiding bright colours (think bright pink, orange, yellow or red as these don’t photograph well) and clothing with thin stripes or pinstripes as this can create a pattern called ‘moire’ in digitals files (and can be hard to remove in editing).
HAIR & MAKEUP
I recommend any mums and daughters wear their hair out or at least partially out during the session, however it is a good idea to bring a hair elastic just in case the breeze picks up.
Like clothing, makeup is also best kept fairly natural and neutral. Read my blog article 5 camera-friendly makeup tips for more suggestions.
Please mindful that fake tans and some foundations can throw orange tones. On the topic of tan lines, it's common to naturally develop tan lines over the warmer months, so it's best to keep that in mind when selecting outfit choices.
CONSIDER LOCATION & WEATHER
When planning your outfit choices, it's important to keep the location of your photoshoot in mind.
For example, if your shoot is in a beautiful green park, it’s best to avoid green tones so that you don't fade into the background (opt for soft blues / pinks or earthy tones instead). The same can be said for too much beige at the beach - you’ll blend into the sand…
The location of your shoot can also impact the style of clothing and shoes you may choose to wear. You may prefer to wear closed shoes at one of my long grass / field locations and we’ll definitely want to take shoes off at the beach!
Also, let's face it, Tassie weather can be a bit unpredictable. If your photoshoot is taking place outdoors, please be mindful that the weather may change during our session (especially during the colder months). It’s a good idea to bring a jacket for the kids, just in case.
If it’s Winter or a little cold on the day of your shoot, basics matched with textured overlays (scarfs, cardigans and even plain beanies and hats) photograph beautifully and will provide a little extra warmth.
A note on transition lenses - these can make the editing process difficult for outdoor photoshoots so, if you can, please opt for a pair of glasses with regular lenses during your shoot.